Within the framework of the project “SEEDGUARD: Seed Guardians for Biodiversity, Agrobiodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Climate Adaptation” (BSB00450 SEEDGUARD), a study visit was held in Romania on July 14-15, coordinated by Nino Zurabishvili. The event was organized by the Romanian Global Project Association (AGP) in collaboration with the Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities (UPPSALA), the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG), and the Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA) from Turkey.

The visit began in an online format, where participants listened to an engaging presentation by representatives of Casa Semintelor on seed preservation and biodiversity protection. Later, the program continued at a farm in Vanatori, Galați County, where participants visited local orchards and explored practical examples of agrobiodiversity.

On July 15, the group traveled to the Buzău Plant Genetic Resources Bank, renowned for its unique seed collection. Visitors toured plots of heirloom crops, learned about modern approaches to seed preservation, and discussed the importance of agrobiodiversity.

The SEEDGUARD project aims to protect the seeds of traditional vegetable varieties and species, enhance agrobiodiversity, promote diverse and healthy food, ensure food security, and improve ecosystem services. The initiative also seeks to demonstrate an improved accessibility model for vegetable producers by creating seed collections/banks of traditional varieties through community participation.

Notably, the project, co-funded by the European Union under the Black Sea Basin Programme, is being implemented in Georgia by the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG).

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